Alumni

Ranim is a master’s student in Engineering Nanotechnology with a strong interdisciplinary background, holding a B.S. in Biochemistry and an M.S. in Bioscience from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). She was awarded the prestigious Saudi Al-Rowad Scholarship to pursue her graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania. After completing her undergraduate studies, Ranim worked at BD Biosciences in San Diego, CA, during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she contributed to the development and manufacturing of the BD Veritor™ Plus System for rapid SARS-CoV-2 detection, producing high-throughput immunoassays critical to public health efforts. At KAUST, her research focused on developing and characterizing nanomaterials, such as hydrogels, for tissue engineering applications. Currently, in the McBride Lab, she is working on fabricating micro- and nanoscale structures, such as micropillars and nanograss using advanced nanofabrication and characterization techniques for environmental applications. Ranim’s passion for science, combined with her diverse academic and research experience in biology, chemistry, and engineering, drives her commitment to contributing innovative solutions.

Renad is a master’s student in Engineering Nanotechnology at the University of Pennsylvania. She holds a B.Sc. in Biochemistry from California State University San Marcos, where she also teaches several courses in biology and chemistry. Before graduate school, Renad worked at Cardea Bio Inc., where she contributed to the development of graphene field-effect transistors (GFETs). Renad was awarded a full scholarship to pursue her first M.Sc. in Bioscience at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), where she focused on engineering DNA ligase enzymes. Building on her interdisciplinary background, she later received the Saudi Al-Rowad scholarship to pursue a second master’s degree at Penn. At Penn, Renad is currently working on the fabrication and characterization of micro- and nanostructured materials for a variety of applications. Her research interests span biotechnology and nanomaterials, and she is passionate about innovation and committed to developing impactful solutions at the intersection of nanotechnology, bioscience, and sustainability.

Joey Wu is a Taiwanese-American scientist in the Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research (VIPER) studying bioengineering and environmental science at the University of Pennsylvania. He is the founder of Waterroots, a nonprofit based on water safety education supported by the Philadelphia Water Department, Clinton Global Initiative, Millennium Fellowship, Stroud Water Research Center, and Water Center at Penn. Joey is an active climate activist, organizing events for Save the Meadows movements, acting as a Penn Climate Speaker, the Special Projects head of Toxisense, the deputy director of research for Climate Cardinals, and a member of SAGE (student advisory group for the environment). As the North America representative for the Tunza Ecological Ambassador program, Joey seeks to use open communication and interdisciplinary partnerships to fight climate change; harnessing volunteering and youth initiatives, he seeks to alleviate global famine and water insecurity.

Felwa is an MEAM Master’s student, holding a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from Alfaisal University in Riyadh. During her undergraduate studies, Felwa interned at Bechtel Corporation, Saudi Aramco, and the Saudi Industrial Development Fund. She also led Alfaisal University’s Shell Eco Marathon team, tutored several courses in Physics and Mathematics, and served as the leader of the Academics team in the Engineering Student Association. Being the only female in her Mechanical Engineering batch inspired Felwa to become one of the founding board members of the first Saudi Women Engineers Society. Additionally, she holds the position of Vice President at Wathba, a Saudi youth community that enables and matches youth with qualified mentors. Felwa worked at NEOM, managing water projects for two years and is currently on a scholarship to pursue graduate studies in the technological advancements of renewable energy and water sustainability. Her interests in education, sustainability, and science drive her to pursue interdisciplinary research opportunities generally, and in fluid mechanics specifically, at UPenn.

Auriani F. Gómez Cintrón, a sophomore student at the University of Puerto Rico in Humacao, is currently pursuing a General Microbiology degree. Since a young age, she has been captivated by the field of science and has always dreamt of building a career in STEM. Throughout her academic journey, she has developed a deep passion for research, particularly in the realm of clinical research. By shadowing doctors and gaining hands-on experience in surgical and implant procedures, her interest in STEM and clinical research has only grown stronger. From the very beginning of her college experience, Auriani actively sought out opportunities to immerse herself in the world of scientific inquiry. She has even ventured into the chemistry department at her university, collaborating with Dr. Ezio Fasoli on chemical sensors. In the summer of 2024, she joined McBride's lab at the University of Pennsylvania, where she is currently focused on developing a standard operating procedure for detecting environmental microplastics using fluorescence microscopy. These experiences have ignited her enthusiasm for exploring further opportunities in the fields of microbiology and biochemistry, which are the central pillars of her academic and professional aspirations.

Luana is a Junior at Amherst College, majoring in Chemistry and Spanish. At UPenn, Luana worked on developing a standard method to detect microplastics using fluorescence microscopy, improve water quality analysis, and enhance nutrient recovery from wastewater. At Amherst, she works in a physical chemistry lab with Professor Jacob Olshansky researching nanoscale assemblies, such as semiconductor nanocrystals. She synthesizes and characterizes quantum dots, learning how they transfer energy and charge, their applications for CO2 reduction, and for quantum information systems. At Amherst's Loeb Career Center, she designs newsletters, facilitates student-alumni connections, and helps coordinate out-of-state trips to conferences for students to attend. Her research in Latin American Studies includes collaborating with indigenous filmmakers to promote cultural affirmation through media. This research has been presented at the UN Forum and the New England Council of Latin American Studies Conference. Luana has demonstrated commitment to community service by founding the Global Buddies Program, supporting ESL students to adapt in the US while fostering cross-cultural connections, leading the UNICEF Club in organizing fundraising and awareness events, volunteering at a hospital, and working in the Active Minds Club to raise mental health awareness. Luana aims to grow her multidisciplinary skills and experiences to advance her interests in Chemistry, Sustainability, Renewable Energy, and Chemical Engineering.